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StanCATT nabs pair for multiple stolen vehicles

James Sass

A follow-up investigation into a stolen flatbed truck by the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force led to the arrest of two men and the recovery of seven stolen vehicles worth an estimated $250,000.

The StanCATT agents were conducting a follow-up investigation into the theft of a 2006 Ford E350 Flatbed truck and a commercial pressure washer Wednesday afternoon. The investigation had led to a residence on Moffett Road in Turlock, where agents found a stolen 2004 Ford Winnebago motorhome, and a 2006 Ford F-250 pickup that had been completely stripped, cut into pieces and the bed turned into a trailer. They also found three California license plates that returned to a 2000 California Silverado truck, a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, and a 2007 Jay motorhome. The three stolen vehicles are still outstanding, according to StanCATT.

StanCATT continued surveillance of the property and witnessed the arrival of the flatbed truck, which had been reported stolen out of Livermore. The driver of the flatbed, identified as Greg Mark Craytor, 32, of Hughson, was taken into custody at the Turlock residence.

The investigation continued and led to three more addresses, where StanCATT agents found more stolen vehicles and tools.

The investigation led to a Hughson address where StanCATT discovered a 1994 Freightliner Semi truck reported stolen out of Stockton. Attached to the semi truck was a 1979 Sea Land trailer, reported stolen in Hughson. Authorities took James Werner Sass, 33, of Modesto into custody at the Hughson residence.

The investigation continued to a property in the 3000 block of Mill Bay in Modesto, where Stan Catt recovered a stolen 1979 commercial pressure washer attached to a trailer. From there, StanCATT searched a residence in the 3000 block of McKittrick Court in Ceres, where they found a stolen 2003 Kawasaki ninja motorcycle.

In addition to the vehicle recovered at the four locations, Stan CATT recovered an estimated $115,000 worth of tools and equipment.

Craytor and Sass were charged with auto theft, possession of stolen property, and grand theft.